Ben Nevis | Scafell Pike | Snowdon
Route planning is paramount to ensuring a successful Challenge, and it’s not as straight-forward as you might think! Below we’ve provided detailed information on:
- Which routes to choose for each mountain
- What maps you’ll need
- Some really handy downloads
Ben Nevis Routes
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OS Route Map | Larger Map | Get Directions | View Bird’s Eye
Click on the OS Route Map tab above to see the track detail.
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The Mountain Track is the path you will use to get up and down the mountain as safely as possible. You will need to stick to this path at all times as coming off at any time puts you at great risk of injury. The mountain can be dangerous at any time of year so be prepared for hard work, and ensure you have the right equipment.
Please consider your level of fitness (which most people over estimate) and your general health before undertaking such a task. Many of the accidents on Ben Nevis happen on the descent as it is just as arduous as going up but on tired weary legs, a slight lapse in concentration is all it takes. Plan to leave enough time for your journey Ben Nevis usually takes between 6 to 8 hours with most three peak events aiming for 5 hours so they can make their travel time also in the 24 hours (keeping to all speed limits of course).
Most Three Peaks Challenge groups use the main mountain path starting from the visitor centre.
The maps you should use are either:
- Our own exclusive in house Harveys map
- The Harveys Super Walker XT25 map
- The OS 41 map, or…
- The OS map 392
- The A-Z Three Peaks Challenge Guide
Useful online maps:
Scafell Pike Routes
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OS Route Map | Larger Map | Get Directions | View Bird’s Eye
Click on the OS Route Map tab above to see the track detail.
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The shortest and most straightforward way up Scafell Pike is to start from the National Trust Lakehead car park in Wasdale (NY 182 075.) Then use the Brown Tongue/ Hollowstones route to both ascend and descend. You can use Mickledore as an alternative, but please be aware that sections of this route are steep and unstable so it is not recommended overnight.
From Borrowdale, park at Seathwaite (NY 236 123) and follow the path to Stockley bridge and then up to Sty Head tarn. You can then join the Corridor route for the final ascent up to the summit. This route is longer than starting from Wasdale and can be quite tricky to navigate.
Please download the route cards, they contain some useful information to help you navigate safely on the mountain along with some useful tips to avoid going wrong.
- The Ordnance survey map you’ll need for Scafell Pike from Wasdale is the OL6 (The English Lakes South western area).
- For ascending from Borrowdale you will need both OL6 and OL4 (The English Lakes North western area.)
- The A-Z Three Peaks Challenge Guide will also come in handy.
Useful online maps:
Below you can download an overview of the main routes up Scafell Pike. Remember that these downloads are intended as a rough guide only. You should use the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL6 map (along with OL4 if starting from Borrowdale) in conjunction with a compass, when walking the route.
Scafell – Hollowstones route booklet (PDF)
Scafell – Mickledore route booklet (PDF)
Scafell – Corridor route booklet (PDF)
Snowdon Routes
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OS Route Map | Larger Map | Get Directions | View Bird’s Eye
Click on the OS Route Map tab above to see the track detail.
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Most Three Peaks Challenge groups either use the Llanberis Path from Llanberis or the PyG/Miners tracks from Pen y Pass.
Click the downloads tab above for detailed information on these routes.
Both the Llanberis Path and PyG/Miners Tracks are challenging mountain routes and you’ll need a map and compass to navigate – more information on the Maps tab above.
The Ordnance survey map you’ll need for Snowdon is the OL17. You’ll also find the following maps and guides really useful:
- Snowdon map and guide – available in all local tourist information centres.
- The A-Z Three Peaks Challenge Guide
Useful online maps:
Below you can download an overview of the main routes up Snowdon. Remember that these downloads are intended as a rough guide only. You should use the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL17 map, in conjunction with a compass, when walking the route.
PyG & Miners Route Overview (PDF)
Llanberis Path Route Overview (PDF)
